HOME MADE HAMBURGER RECIPE: January 2026

Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni


Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is a rich, hearty, and family-friendly one-pot meal made with real ingredients—no boxed mix required. It’s faster, healthier, and far more flavorful than the store-bought version, with tender pasta, savory beef, and a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite.


⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pot meal – minimal cleanup

  • Ready in 30 minutes

  • No preservatives or artificial flavors

  • Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying

  • Perfect for busy weeknights


🧀 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp mustard powder (classic cheeseburger flavor)

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

  • ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, extra creaminess)


🍲 How to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

1. Brown the Beef

  • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

  • Drain excess grease if needed.


2. Build the Flavor Base

  • Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

  • Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  • Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.


3. Cook the Pasta

  • Pour in beef broth and milk.

  • Stir in macaroni, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard powder.

  • Bring to a gentle simmer.

  • Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.


4. Make It Cheesy

  • Reduce heat to low.

  • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

  • Add heavy cream or sour cream if using.


5. Serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning.

  • Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra cheese if desired.


🔥 Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Shred your own cheese – pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly

  • Don’t boil aggressively – gentle simmer prevents curdling

  • Rest 2–3 minutes before serving for thicker sauce


🥗 Variations & Add-Ins

  • Healthier Version: Use ground turkey and whole wheat pasta

  • Bacon Cheeseburger Mac: Add crispy bacon crumbles

  • Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers

  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños

  • Extra Cheesy: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby


🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container

  • Reheat: Add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or microwave

  • Not freezer-friendly due to the creamy sauce


📌 Final Thoughts

This homemade cheeseburger macaroni delivers all the nostalgic comfort of classic Hamburger Helper—but better. Rich, creamy, and packed with real beef and cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 (565 grams) pounds ground beef
  • 3 cups (710 milliliters) milk
  • 1 3/4 cups (4 dl) macaroni (whole wheat, gluten-free or regular all work)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons hot paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon salt (I like things on the salty side and use 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 1/4 cup (141 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions

In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the meat until almost browned. 
A little pink is okay as it'll be simmering for a while later on. 
If there's a lot of liquid, feel free to drain it (though not necessary).
Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, except for the cheddar cheese, and stir until well combined. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
Whole wheat pasta takes about 20 minutes but regular and gluten-free pasta will take closer to 10 (the exact time depends on the shape of the pasta). 
If using whole wheat, you may need to add a little more water or milk to the pan if you see that it's sucking up too much liquid.
Stir in the cheese until well mixed in. 
If you like the consistency, serve immediately. If you want it to be a little thicker, wait about 5 minutes. Enjoy !

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Homemade Hamburgers Recipe



Homemade Hamburgers Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly made homemade hamburger—juicy on the inside, beautifully seared on the outside, and customized exactly to your taste. This tried-and-true recipe delivers classic diner-style burgers with maximum flavor and tenderness.


⭐ Why This Homemade Hamburger Recipe Works

  • Juicy every time thanks to the right meat-to-fat ratio

  • Simple seasoning that enhances beef flavor without overpowering it

  • Versatile cooking methods: grill, skillet, or griddle

  • Perfect for weeknights or backyard cookouts


🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 4 hamburger buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Optional Toppings

  • Cheddar, American, Swiss, or Pepper Jack cheese

  • Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles

  • Bacon

  • Ketchup, mustard, mayo, burger sauce


🍔 How to Make Homemade Hamburgers

1. Prepare the Burger Patties

  • Place ground beef in a large bowl.

  • Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

  • Gently mix just until combined—do not overwork the meat.

  • Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties slightly larger than your buns.

  • Press a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.


2. Cook the Burgers

🔥 Skillet or Griddle Method (Best Indoor Option)

  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add oil or butter.

  • Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness.

  • Add cheese during the last minute and cover briefly to melt.

🔥 Grill Method

  • Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C).

  • Grill burgers 3–5 minutes per side.

  • Avoid pressing down on the patties—this releases juices.


3. Toast the Buns

  • Lightly butter buns and toast cut-side down until golden.

  • This adds flavor and prevents sogginess.


4. Assemble & Serve

  • Place burger on bottom bun.

  • Add cheese and favorite toppings.

  • Finish with sauces and top bun.

  • Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.


🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Burgers

  • Use cold beef: Keeps fat from melting too quickly

  • No breadcrumbs or eggs needed: Let the beef shine

  • Flip only once for better crust formation

  • Let burgers rest for 2 minutes before serving


🥗 Make It Healthier (Optional)

  • Use 90/10 ground beef or ground turkey

  • Serve on whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps

  • Load up with fresh veggies instead of heavy sauces


📌 Final Thoughts

This homemade hamburger recipe delivers bold flavor, juicy texture, and restaurant-quality results—all with simple ingredients you already have. Perfect for family dinners, summer grilling, or anytime comfort food cravings hit.

OTHER RECIPES


Homemade Hamburger Recipe Ingredients

* 1 lb lean ground beef or ground chicken
* 1 medium onion, peeled
* 1 medium potato, peeled
* 2 eggs
* 1/2-1 cup breadcrumbs or 2-3 slices bread, cut or torn into small pieces (may need more or less)
* salt and pepper

HOMEMADE HAMBURGER RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Grate the potato and then the onion in a large bowl.
2.Add 1 of the eggs and mix with spoon or hands.
3.Add the beef (or chicken) and the other egg, mix until well blended.
4.Add the breadcrumbs until the mixture sticks together but is not too dry.
5.Remember to add salt and pepper.
6.Shape mixture into 4 patties, each about 3/4-inch thick.
7.You can bbq, fry or broil the burgers for 10-15 minutes.
The homemade hamburger recipe is ready to serve...enjoy.

Jalapeno Homemade Burgers



Jalapeno Homemade Burgers


Servings: 4 big burgers

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: ~30 minutes


Ingredients

For the Patties

  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, minced (seeds removed for mild, seeds left for spicy)

  • 1 small onion, finely minced or grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs OR crushed Ritz crackers

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce

  • 1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds a great grilled flavor)

  • ¼ tsp cumin (optional, adds warmth)

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a mix (optional but fantastic)

For Cooking

  • 2 tbsp oil or butter

  • Extra salt & pepper for seasoning patties

Optional Topping Options

  • Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)

  • Pepper Jack cheese

  • Crispy bacon strips

  • Grilled onions

  • Avocado or guacamole

  • Chipotle mayo (mayo + chipotle in adobo + lime)

For Serving

  • 4 toasted buns

  • Lettuce

  • Sliced tomatoes

  • Sliced red onions

  • Pickles

  • Condiments of your choice


Instructions

1. Prepare the Jalapeños

  1. Wash jalapeños and remove seeds if you want a milder burger.

  2. Mince them very finely so they blend evenly into the meat.

  3. If you like more heat, add an extra jalapeño or keep some seeds.


2. Mix the Burger Blend

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Ground beef

  • Minced jalapeños

  • Onion

  • Garlic

  • Egg

  • Breadcrumbs

  • Worcestershire

  • Ketchup

  • Mustard

  • Salt, pepper

  • Paprika & cumin

  • Cheese (if using)

Use hands to gently mix—don’t overwork, or the burgers get dense.


3. Shape the Patties

  1. Divide into 4 large patties or 6 medium ones.

  2. Form into rounds about ¾ inch thick.

  3. Press a small thumbprint in the center of each—this prevents doming.

  4. Set patties on parchment paper and chill 10–20 minutes (optional, but helps them hold shape).


4. Cook the Burgers

Stovetop Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high.

  2. Add oil or butter.

  3. Season patties lightly with extra salt & pepper.

  4. Cook about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

  5. Add cheese slices during last minute and cover to melt.

Grill Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

  2. Oil grates.

  3. Grill patties 4–5 minutes per side.

  4. Add cheese and melt in final minute.


5. Toast the Buns

Butter lightly and toast in the pan/grill until golden.


6. Assemble Your Jalapeño Burgers

Suggested build:

  1. Spread chipotle mayo or regular mayo on bottom bun.

  2. Add lettuce and tomato.

  3. Place hot jalapeño burger patty with melted cheese.

  4. Add more fresh or pickled jalapeño slices for extra kick.

  5. Add onion, pickles, or avocado.

  6. Finish with top bun.


Flavor Tips

  • For maximum flavor, use fresh jalapeños and a small spoon of pickled jalapeño juice in the meat.

  • Want really spicy? Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper or 1 chopped serrano.

  • Juicier burgers: Use a mix of beef and pork, or add 2 tbsp cold grated butter into the meat.


Optional Variations

1. Bacon Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers

Add crispy bacon + sharp cheddar.

2. Cream Cheese Jalapeño Burgers (Jalapeño Popper Style)

Mix ¼ cup cream cheese + jalapeños and place a spoonful inside each patty before sealing.

3. Jalapeño Turkey Burgers

Use ground turkey and add a bit more breadcrumbs for binding.


OTHER RECIPES

Homemade Hamburger Recipe Ingredients:
  • 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp steak sauce
  • 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 cup crushed corn chips
Homemade Hamburger Recipe Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together and form into patties and grill.
moms-homemade-burgers

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